Genesian Theatre - Whats The Show

Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure

10/08/2025 Anastassia Gerakas🥈

Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty Rating

★★★★★

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It’s no mystery why audiences continue to be captivated by Sherlock Holmes—and the Genesian Theatre’s Australian premiere of Moriarty proves just how enduring the great detective’s appeal remains. Ken Ludwig’s whirlwind theatrical caper, directed with flair and finesse, is running now through September 13, and it is nothing short of an amateur theatre triumph.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary and settling into a brand-new venue, the Genesian Theatre Company has marked the milestone with a bold production choice. Moriarty, a complex, fast-paced, and highly stylised Holmes adventure, is no easy feat—but under the company’s deft touch, it sparkles with energy, intelligence, and theatrical magic.

The game is afoot once more with a plot that launches with the theft of incriminating letters from a Bohemian king and soon spirals into a high-stakes game of espionage, deception, and pursuit. Holmes and his ever-faithful companion Dr. Watson are drawn into an international chase to foil the shadowy machinations of Professor Moriarty. It’s classic Holmes—with a twist of modern theatrical ingenuity.

Eight actors take on over 20 roles, switching characters, accents, and costumes at breakneck speed. This ensemble approach keeps the momentum electric. Peter David Allison shines as Dr. Watson, anchoring the narrative with warmth, wit, and humility. His storytelling binds the chaotic threads of the play into a coherent and compelling whole. Meanwhile, Susan Jordan is a revelation—slipping effortlessly between diverse characters, her skillful transformations and vocal dexterity bringing flair and creativity to every scene.

The technical elements elevate the experience further. From the cleverly used faceless puppets to richly detailed costumes, from crisp sound effects to atmospheric lighting that subtly underscores tension and intrigue, the backstage team delivers period authenticity with theatrical verve.

The production’s brisk pacing—driven by rapid scene changes, constant movement, and tightly choreographed action—keeps the audience on edge. Ken Ludwig’s script is sharp and respectful of Holmes canon while injecting just enough levity to balance the suspense. It’s a treat for both diehard fans and newcomers alike.

Moriarty at the Genesian Theatre is a testament to what passionate theatre-makers can achieve. It’s a love letter to classic detective stories, brought to life with heart, humour, and remarkable creativity.

The verdict? Elementary, dear reader: a must-see.

To book tickets to Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty, please visit https://genesiantheatre.com.au/events/moriarty/.

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The Lady Vanishes

24/06/2025 Anastassia Gerakas🥈

The Lady Vanishes Rating

★★★★★

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Celebrating its 80th year in style and in a brand-new theatre space, the Genesian Theatre Company presents – The Lady Vanishes, adapted by Derek Webb from the novel on which the Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1938 film was based.

This production is a nostalgic and atmospheric journey back to a time of intrigue and stiff upper lips – all aboard a European train where one woman vanishes and everyone seems to be hiding something.

The ingenuity of the staging cannot be overstated. The design team masterfully evokes the confined, shifting world of a train carriage through clever use of sliding compartment doors and evocative soundscapes. Seamlessly moving the action from the dining car to corridor to first class, the production invites the audience to feel like passengers themselves, peering down corridors and eavesdropping on hushed conversations. This immersive approach is one of the production’s strongest assets, providing a dynamic sense of movement and urgency.

The story itself remains a compelling whodunit, as Iris Carr – on her journey home – becomes increasingly frantic when a fellow passenger, the governess Miss Froy, mysteriously disappears. What follows is a delightful unraveling of truth and deception, as each character’s potential motive for denial (or deceit) is revealed. The play cleverly engages the audience, turning us into sleuths trying to piece together the puzzle.

Tonally, however, the production feels somewhat uneven. Some actors leaned heavily into broad caricature, while others remained grounded in more traditional realism. This dichotomy occasionally pulled focus from the central tension of the plot.

That said, several performances stood out. The sister duo Evelyn and Rose brought genuine laughs with their dry wit and impeccable timing, while Mrs Barnes was a wonderfully nervous delight. In the central role, Iris Carr shone brightest when allowed to play her role with sincerity and emotional depth.

The Lady Vanishes is a joy to watch and the Genesian’s new theatre space is a fitting stage for this lively, imaginative production – a celebration of the company’s legacy and a testament to the enduring power of classic storytelling. Here is to 80 more years to come!

To book tickets to The Lady Vanishes, please visit https://www.genesiantheatre.com.au/.

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Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime: Planning the Perfect Murder Can Be Chaotic!

28/04/202528/04/2025 Linda Lokhee🏆🥇🦉

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crimes Rating

★★★★★

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Published in 1891 as a short story by Oscar Wilde, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was the basis of this satire adaptation by Constance Cox and presented by the Genesian Theatre Company. Although I had previously seen productions over many years at their historic 70-year venue on Kent St in Sydney’s heart of the city, this was the first time I had seen a Genesian Theatre Company’s production in 2025 in their purpose-built new theatre. Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was performed in their new venue at Rozelle, complete with high ceilings, air conditioning, with every comfortable plush seat having an unobstructed view of the stage.

It is the late 1800’s and Aristocrat Lord Arthur Savile (Brock Cramond) is engaged to Sybil Merton (Catherine Layard), the daughter of haughty Lady Julia Merton. Lady Julia, portrayed with relish by Roslyn Hicks, clearly doesn’t approve of Lord Arthur as a suitable husband for her beloved daughter. Roslyn’s performance as Lady Julia was a standout. Her disdain towards her future son-in-law, highlighted by her finger pointing and sharp words, as well as her outrageously ostentatious white bird hat, made the audience laugh many times! With the hope of getting a dire warning and thus having an excuse to cancel the engagement, Lady Julia brings a famous cheiromantist (fortune teller) Mr Podgers (Kees Harmsen), to see Lord Arthur, who predicts the past and future by reading palms. Kees’ portrayal of a serious soothsayer was excellent, and as he loomed over Lord Arthur, cloaked in a dark suit wearing a black tophat, he created a sense of mystery and foreboding, and was reminiscent of a human grim reaper. Well done to the costume designers, Molly Haddon and Susan Carveth.

Mr Podgers predicts that Lord Arthur is going to commit a crime of the most serious nature – murder! He keeps this news from Lady Julia, and admits it only to Lord Arthur, who then decides he must complete this murder before his upcoming marriage. With the help of his loyal man servant Baines, impeccably dressed in a black suit with tails (Oliver Harcourt-Ham) Lord Arthur goes about planning to poison his dear Aunty, Lady Clementina. The circumstances surrounding this murder change as he tries to implement his plan, and the audience is left holding their breath waiting to see what happens. Lady Clementina was portrayed by Diedre Campbell, who created a character that was so likeable, it left me hoping she wasn’t going to be a victim.

The following attempts as he goes through his possible family murder victim list, conveniently given to him by an earnest and helpful Baines, involve his other Aunty, Lady Windermere (Julia Burns) and the Dean of Paddington (Christopher Hamilton). Involved with the planning and the supplier of certain possible murder items was a member of the Anarchy Society, Herr Winkelkopf, played with comical overzealousness by Sebastian Lodge. His interactions with Lord Arthur and Baines were earnest in his offer to help, and providing items of the explosive type, (that may or may not work, no spoilers) was one of the highlights of the play. The scene where he was delivering a ‘bomb’ dressed in the exact two shade colours of the wall, so as to ‘blend in’, was hilarious!

A supporting character, Maid Nellie, (Amy Silvana Thomas) added to the wealth of the Savile family. At one point, whether intentional or not, I got the impression that Nellie may be more than whom she seems with her intentions.

The playwright’s characters are quite the caricature of Britain’s high society’s wealthy people, as well as the hired help. Every character had some funny quips, which made the 2 hour, 10 min play flow at a good pace.

The music was suited to the era and emotive theme. Sound Designer Rhea Moloo set a scene of intrigue and trepidation during the introduction and interval, with classical songs, such as Palladio by Virtuoso and Ivan Dohovic, Concerto in G Minor and Flight of the Bumblebee.

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime was masterfully directed by Molly Haddon and has all the elements of a traditional Victorian Crime – with the murder choices popular during that time, spliced with comedic drama. There is the underlying sense of social class motivations of mixed-up morality, as Lord Arthur is continually supported by ‘his people” as he desperately tries to fulfil his supposed future murder prophecy. The result is a very satisfying comedic play with unexpected twists!

To book tickets to Lord Arthur Savile’s Crimes, please visit www.genesiantheatre.com.au.

The Genesian Theatre
2B Gordon St, Rozelle
25 April – 7 June 2025
Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including 20 min interval)
Tickets: Full $35 / Concession, Groups 10+ $30

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Witches, Daggers, And Dark Ambition: Macbeth Takes The Stage

04/04/202509/03/2025 Donna Portland 🥉

Macbeth Rating

★★★★★

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Director John Grinston delivers a compelling interpretation of Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy, Macbeth, which follows the dark and ambitious rise of a Scottish general who murders his way to the throne, spurred on by his equally ruthless wife.

The production’s minimalist set – featuring a cloudy backdrop and simple, unchanging props – places the focus squarely on the actors and the power of Shakespeare’s words. While this approach demands strong performances to maintain audience engagement, the cast largely succeeded in bringing energy and verve to their roles.

Shakespearean dialogue, with its dense 11th-century language, can be notoriously difficult to render fluently. However, several actors navigated it with skill, making the text feel natural and immersive. Dimitri Armatas (Banquo) was particularly outstanding, delivering a consistently engaging and authentic performance. A standout moment came from Micah Doughty as Seyton, who stumbled in from a drunken night, weaving through the audience before joining his companions onstage. His delivery, in full Shakespearean fluency, was both amusing and believable, offering a rare moment of levity in the otherwise dark narrative.

As Macbeth, Jack Taylor handled the immense demands of the role well, especially considering this was his first Shakespearean performance. He had moments of true greatness, portraying Macbeth’s descent into tyranny with conviction.

Yvette Gillies played Lady Macbeth with admirable command, though her casting opposite a much younger Macbeth was an interesting choice. Indeed, some productions have depicted Lady Macbeth as older, emphasising her ambition, influence, and almost maternal guidance over her husband. Gillies’ Scottish accent was a welcome addition, lending authenticity to her portrayal, though it did contrast sharply with the rest of the cast, who spoke in more neutral tones.

Veteran actors David Stewart-Hunter (King Duncan) and John Benjamin (Doctor) added a seasoned presence to the production, bringing gravitas to their roles. Meanwhile, the trio of witches – Jasna Mars, Poppy Cozens, and Julie Burns – delivered some of the most engaging scenes of the night. Their cauldron scene, revealing the fateful prophecy that “no man born of woman can defeat him,” was particularly well-executed, creating an eerie, mystical atmosphere that resonated with the audience.

The Audience and Venue:
Opening night drew a predominantly older crowd, with more than half of attendees appearing to be over 50 or 60 – perhaps due to the presence of the actors’ families and longtime Genesian patrons. Shakespearean theatre may have a stronger appeal to older audiences, but productions like this have the potential to engage younger viewers as well.

More young people should experience Shakespearean theatre, as Macbeth remains strikingly relevant. While language and idioms have evolved, human nature has not, and the themes of unchecked ambition, moral corruption, and fate still captivate modern audiences. For students studying Macbeth, seeing it performed live provides an invaluable perspective on the play’s intricate dynamics.

The Genesian Theatre, at 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle, offers a viewing experience with well-tiered seating ensuring clear sightlines. The venue is air-conditioned (with two split systems), making for a pleasant atmosphere, as long as they remain on. The bathroom facilities are well-maintained, and the bar is excellent. Parking in the surrounding streets can be challenging, so allow extra time to find a spot.

Final Verdict:
This Macbeth was an enjoyable and well-executed production with a commendable cast and crew. While some moments could have benefited from greater consistency in fluency and intensity, the strong performances – particularly from Banquo, Lady Macbeth, and the witches – made for an engaging evening of theatre. Grinston’s direction, combined with Shakespeare’s enduring themes, ensured that Macbeth still has the power to thrill and unsettle, centuries after it was first performed.

To book tickets to Macbeth, please visit https://genesiantheatre.com/

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Donna Portland 🥉

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